Is it possible to create a custom filter? I'm doing work for a client that has unique filters for different material types. I have the material library created (over 200 materials) but would like to filter it for specifics like "wall covering", tile wall, tile floor, fabric, concrete, plastic, window film, etc.
I want to hand this to the team with the filters the other designers uses and not these defaults.
I created a video tutorial to share on using podium with a bit of editing in Photoshop.
Here's the link: http://db-3d.com/training/tutorials.html
And this is the final image.
Enjoy.
I can't agree more with the comments above. Since .png are a lossless format, file sizes tend to be larger. Try to limit texture widths to 500 pixels. GE will crunch alot of this info anyway to make the filesize smaller.
What I was trying to get across in my image is that you dont have to model between the steel beams:the cutout. This will save time and polygons. Also .png's are great for signage. check out the logo for the fedex forum.
In Layout I dont beleive you can. I suggest you change the opacity in photoshop and save it as a .png.
yeah, i usually set up ctl+0 as zoom extents so its the same as photoshop.
yep, just remember to be 'inside' the group your want scaled otherwise it'll resize the entire model. if you want say 5 grouped objects to all be scaled, just group them, enter inside and scale. explode then to get it back to your 5 groups.
Yeah, i think pen and paper are you best bet to track them. In any case here are some shortcuts I use a a lot that may be helpful.
h = hide (i dont need the pan shortcut since im using a mouse)
u = unhide all (makes it easy to hide and unhide groups to see inside stuff rather then dealing with layers)
ctl+H = hide rest of model (this is great when dealing with detail and wanting to hide everything outside of the active group or component.
w = texture position (if you use textures a lot and modify them i suggest you add this, saves a lot of time over right click>texture>position)
d=display edges on/off (helpful for ge models, turn off before you submit to 3d warehouse or to ge.)
In any case, try to keeps all your shortcuts on the left side of the keyboard (asdf) so you don't have to take your hand off the mouse when orbiting or panning.
also, remember that the spacebar acts as the select tool (very useful in getting out of a tool)
I'm thinking of switching move and pushpull to C and V since they are used so frequently but i haven't made the switch yet.
check out the link for a reference card. http://sketchup.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=116693 or download attachment for pc. mac is available as well on the link. these include the default shortcuts.
you can save your shortcuts for pc (in 6 at least, not sure for 7) but you cant save your shortcuts for a mac 
on some of your scenes (views) try changing the focal length (zoom tool) then either use degrees or mm. For interiors you'll get a lot more depth using something around 30-40mm.
I'll have to check out that plugin.
What I find the best is to make sure no objects are smaller then 2". Google Earth does some funky things with smaller objects so the smallest I'll go is 3". Test that out to see the results.
Also, always delete the bottom face, avoid creating your own terrain and us .png textures as often as possible. You'll save a lot of time modeling high levels of details if you just use a png instead. Attached is an example where you can see the difference.
GE models are definitely a different style of modeling. Most users want to add as much detail as possible. Just let the textures do the talking. You'll spend more time in photoshop then in sketchup but you'll have a great result.
-Dan
YouTube (newest) recommended settings are:
* H.264, MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 format
* 640x480 (SD) or 1280x720 (HD) for 4:3 & 16:9 aspect ratios.
* Frame rate should be the same as original video
* Sampling rate: 44.1KHz for MP3/AAC audio
In SketchUp set your resolution to whichever aspect ratio you want (see the attachment)
Remember to set the transition and delay time under Window > model info > animation
If you're having trouble with its export from youtube's site, try exporting it through iMovie.
-Dan
